This report has been prepared ahead of the October 2020 AGM, and summarises the Parent Council’s work over the year.
The Parent Council
Our Parent Council provides the opportunity for parents and carers to contribute to school life and the well-being of our children, as well as increase their understanding of school matters. Meetings are held at least four times a year, with items on the agenda varying from Headteacher feedback on learning within the school, promoting a healthy eating policy and making our school community cleaner and safer, to school improvement plans and developing the school environment.
The Parent Council works closely with the Parent Association, which raises funds for the school.
2019/20
This has been a year like no other, with the school – and indeed all schools – unexpectedly closed for several months due to the impact of coronavirus. Nevertheless, it has been a productive year for the Parent Council. The Council has met four times since the September 2019 AGM, on the following dates:
- 2 December 2019
- 9 March 2019
- 1 June 2020 (via videoconferencing)
- 14 September 2020 (via videoconferencing)
Issues dealt with include:
- A decision taken jointly with the school to ban dogs from school grounds, due to substantial anxiety caused to some children
- Ongoing issues with parking around the school, and supporting the recent implementation of a car-free zone around the school at drop-off and pick-up times, to create a safer environment
- A proposal for a walking bus: a survey will shortly be sent out to parents on this matter.
- Vandalism in the toilet areas of the school: this has been resolved for now
- The school’s developing use of SeeSaw as a communication tool with parents
- A decision to implement a new system for lost property, which is returned wherever possible but if unclaimed, given to charity on the last Friday of the month
- Improvements to the playground, at the request of the children
- Supporting the development of the school’s policies on hygiene, risk assessment, home learning, self-isolation and emotional support in light of coronavirus
Other Developments
As usual, Glasgow City Council purchased insurance coverage for all city Parent Councils through Connect, formerly known as the Scottish Parent Teacher Council. As well as public liability, employers’ liability, loss of money and personal accident insurance, this Connect membership also provides all parents at the school with access to info sessions, a members-only Facebook group and email support. All parents can register to access these resources at https://connect.scot/register.
Parent Council Team
This year saw the departure of several parents who had made a substantial contribution to the Council. In particular, Humera Ashraf stepped down as Chair. We would like to formally record our thanks to all parents who have supported the work of the Council, and wish them well as their children move on to the next phase of their education.
We expect to have a full team of office-bearers in place following the 2020 AGM, as follows:
- Chair: Stephen Bishop
- Secretary: Carolyn Lochhead
- Treasurer: Laura Kennedy (to be proposed at 2020 AGM)
Conclusion
We would like to thank all the parents and teachers of Merrylee Primary School for their support and dedication during this extraordinary year. In particular, we record our thanks to Mrs Haddock and her team, who have been faced with a unique set of circumstances and responded with energy and determination.
Contact details
You can contact the Parent Council at merryleepc@gmail.com. Information about the work of the council can be found at http://merryleeprimarypc.org/.
